Dreessen helps lead NFL Texans' attack on Saints

Not only did Mustang alum Dreeseen catch three passes for his Houston Texans, he even drew a 15-yard late-hit penalty from Saints defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove.

The flag flew on third down and kept this Houston drive alive. The Texans eventually finished an 80-yard march with Arian Foster's 10-yard touchdown run.

The Saints still eventually won this NFL preseason battle, 38-20, before 70,025 fans in their first home game since winning the NFC championship en route to a historic first Super Bowl title.

Yet Texans tight end Dreeesen's performance (three catches, 55 yards) shows he's getting ready to help Houston try for its first playoff berth. The nine-year franchise delivered its first historic winning season of 9-7 last fall with Dreessen reaching his NFL career-best 26 receptions (320 yards).

On Saturday, the 6'4" 243-pound former Fort Morgan all-stater grabbed a 30-yard pass from quarterback Matt Schaub that ignited another Texans scoring drive. His 18-yard reception also moved Houston into Saints territory, but Foster lost a fumble on the very next play.

Dreessen's three catches matched fellow Colorado State University former player David Anderson (three, 61 yards) and tight end Garrett Graham (three, 32) for team-high honors.

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He didn't catch a pass in the preseason opener against Arizona a week earlier.

The Texans continue their preseason schedule with a visit to the state rival Dallas Cowboys Saturday night, which will be televised on CBS beginning at 6 p.m. MDT.

They'll also play Tampa Bay on Sept. 2 before the Sept. 12 season opener in Houston against defending AFC champion Indianapolis.

Dreessen is starting the final year of a two-year contract with the Texans. He's been a team member since 2007 for former Broncos quarterback and current head coach Gary Kubiak.

Joel is the son of Fort Morgan's Gary and Linda Dreessen. Watch for weekly updates on this Mustang great all season in The Times.